Notes on Hebrews: Chapter 4
Note: Permit if you will these additional comments on the previous chapter. I am trying to remain concise in these notes and as a consequence closed chapter 3 prematurely. I now find these comments crucial to properly introduce the notes for chapter 4.
In the preceding chapter, Luke the physician reminds his Hebrew Christian audience that the penalty for unbelief was exacted on the wilderness generation of the Children of Israel. They are those Jews that died between Egypt and the Promised Land. Behind the Hebrews of Moses stood Egypt, despised for its lash, but nonetheless yearned for its familiarity, over the uncertainty and fear that lay ahead in the Promised Land of Canaan. Yes, Yahweh promised this land to them, but of the twelve scouts sent out to survey the un-entered Promised Land, only two said that it could be had (read Numbers 13 & 14). The others could only see the giants that lived there and the insurmountable odds against them. Would they trust a God they could not see for protection in the midst of the Nephilim (giants of the land) that were all too real? They did not. The entire generation that left Egypt victoriously, died in the wilderness short of the land of milk and honey.
Luke reminds his audience (and you the reader) that they now face a similar situation. Press on ahead relying on the promises of God through Jesus Christ despite the evils that may befall you (personified by their own country men), or go back and wander in the divide between what you once were and what you were meant to be. What do you say?
If Chapter 3 lays down the gauntlet then Chapter 4 shows the reward. The theme of this chapter is the invitation to enter His rest. Luke explains that rest for the Hebrew Christians does not mean inactivity from action. On the contrary, the opposition that they would face would challenge them at every level. If you have a hard time relating to how difficult it was for young Jewish Christians of the 1st century to come home to traditional parents and confess that they are convinced that Jesus (a crucified blasphemer) is the long awaited Messiah, then let me give you a different example. Consider the abolitionists in the days of slavery. An entire way of life pitted against the unified conscience of a few. The heads of state and the barons of business, (the Nephilim) have the money and the power to grant relative comfort and future prosperity to the masses in exchange for the silence of the collective conscience. Yet the personal consciences of a few are hard to control and their BELIEFS could infect others. The religious leaders (the Magi) are needed for the task of keeping the masses occupied. They recommend holiness for the avoidance of Hell and assurances that in Heaven all would be made right.
Still, the consciences of some could not be bought with present worldly comforts or future threats of damnation. This is the story of the non-conformist. From the Hebrew Christians of the 1st century, to the abolitionists of the slave trade, to the Christians of the 21st century, the challenge is the same. Will you enter His rest believing in the promises of an unseen God or will you believe your eyes and say that the giants are too strong, the odds too great and that life (at least for you) isn’t all that bad.
Dear Reader, do not confuse the wilderness for the Promised Land just because it is not Egypt. The Kingdom of God is within you.
